1. The Adolescent in Society
Chapter 5

3. Section 1: Adolescence In Our Society
Key Terms:
adolescence
puberty
What is the difference?

4. All young people experience puberty- the physical maturing that makes an individual capable of sexual reproduction.
Adolescence- is a relatively recent creation of modern industrialized societies.

5. Adolescence is not a universal phenomenon.
The concept of adolescence does not exist in many parts of the world.
Puberty occurs in all human societies.

6. In American society, adolescence is generally considered to run from ages 12 to 19.
Puberty and acceptance into the adult world occur at different times for different people.
Therefore, the beginning and end dates for adolescence are somewhat blurred.

7. In many pre-industrial societies, young people go from childhood to adulthood once they have taken part in formal coming-of-age ceremonies.
These ceremonies usually take place around the age of 13 or 14, but differ from society to society.
Common ceremonies include demonstrations of strength or endurance, filing of teeth, and tattooing or scarring of the skin.
Young people who successfully complete these ceremonies immediately become accepted members of adult society even though they are in their early teens.

9. In the United States, adolescence did not exist prior to the Civil War.
Before that, young people were simply treated as small adults.

10. How would your life be different from what life is like today if all people in the United States were considered to be adults at the age of 13?

11. Three factors have been particularly important in the development of adolescence as a distinct stage of the life cycle in the United States.

12. 1. Education-
State laws make education mandatory up to about the age of 16 and most young people stay in school until they are 18.
Young people who attend college usually are in their early 20s when they graduate.
Graduate degrees will lengthen the time spent in school even further.

13. 1. Education- (cont.)
Many people who are in school are dependent on others for their financial support.
Many people in school do not take on the roles of adulthood, such as spouse, parent, or provider.

14. 2. End of Child Labor-
Child labor laws prevent people from entering the labor force until age 16.
Most young people lack the training to compete for all but the most routine jobs.
Adolescents usually work only part time while continuing to go to school.

15. 3. Juvenile Justice System-
By distinguishing between juvenile and adult offenders, our society has created a separate legal status for young people.

16. The Five Characteristics of Adolescence.
Biological Growth and Development
Undefined Status
Increased Decision Making
Increased Pressure
The Search for Self

17. Biological Growth and Development
Puberty begins when specific hormones are released.
The brain and the endocrine system control biological development.
spurts in height and weight
voice changes
changes in body proportions
development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics
complexion problems (40% seek medical advice)

18. Undefined Status The expectations for adolescence are unclear.
some adults treat adolescence as children
some adults treat adolescence as adults
Some states allow young people to get married at 16 with parent consent.
However, you can’t vote until 18 and legally drink a beer until you are 21.

19. Increased Decision Making
Young children have most of their decisions made for them by adults.
Adolescents make many of their own decisions.
What classes to take?
What sports should they participate in?
Get a college education or get a job?
There seems to be no end to the decisions that must be made.

20. Increased Pressure From Parents- Rules From Peers-
what time you must be home
whom you can see
where you can go
From Peers-
Teenagers want to be accepted by their peers and to be a part of the “in” group.
pressure to have a car of their own
pressure to go along with the latest fads and fashions
pressure to establish relationships

21. Increased Pressure From School- From Jobs-
You are required to attend classes, complete assignments, pass tests, and participate in activities.
From Jobs-
pressure of finding a part-time or summer job
finding time for family life, a job, schoolwork, and social activities (role conflict)

22. The Search for Self
Adolescents are mature enough to think about themselves and about what they want out of life.
sort through their values
establish personal norms
set priorities
prepare for future roles (anticipatory socialization)

23. These five characteristics of adolescence are quite general, and individual experiences may differ widely.
Adolescents do not live solely in an adolescent subculture.
Economic status, family composition, and place of residence can affect a teen’s life.
Race, ethnicity, religion, and cultural heritage can make a difference in the kinds of adolescent experiences a person has.

24. Write an Essay
Write an essay focusing on your own experiences in relation to these characteristics.
What do you think is the most challenging characteristic of adolescence? Explain.
Write two paragraphs explaining how the experience of adolescence might differ from teenager to teenager because of individual circumstances such as economic status, cultural background, family structure, or region of residence.

25. The Five Characteristics of Adolescence.
Biological Growth and Development
Undefined Status
Increased Decision Making
Increased Pressure
The Search for Self

38. List three things that you have learned from the examination of these photos.
What were working conditions like for the youngsters portrayed?